Gatwick - Orlando

All,
Looking at booking Florida, with miles. Have enough to book Premium Economy one way, and Economy the other for 2 adults 3 kids.
On this route is Premium worth the extra miles over Economy?

Regards

Gary

Hi Gary,

Although the p/e sections haven't been updated to new p/e yet on the Gatwick fleet, the seats on the upper deck are still amongst the best available (barring the suites)

After travelling from man a couple of days ago (planes are the same configuration) and walking down the back a few times to see my sister and the tribe, the quietness and nicer atmosphere on the upper deck is on another level.

When economy is full, it can be a pretty daunting area in a 747.

However, its all down to the funds available to each individual, but for the seating space alone, p/e beats ec everyday.

Then you have to add in the increased baggage allowlance, 'priorty' boarding, better service etc etc..

enjoy what ever you pick

David

PE on the upper deck ia absolutely worth the extra money especially if the plane is packed.

Miopyk

Def Agree, if you are doing premium you want to be on the upper deck only, these are the old upper seats from some years back.

Lower deck seats are not worth the money

[Neil]

Hi Gary,

This is probably one of the most discussed things on here, and was actually the reason I first came to the site. This thread, also this thread will give you many opinions. I think you will find the general consensus is yes it is worth it, which is my personal opinion too.

Just a word of advice though, this is a popular destination and during peak times, summer holidays, Easter etc then mileage seats, especially in the very popular for this route PE section are quite hard to come by, so get in early, speak to FC and keep checking. I know when I tried to use some miles for this Easter, no seats were available in ANY class for the 4 week period around which we are traveling.

Neil

hi Gary just an idea why not go outbound economy and return PE if that is possible you get the extra space and if on the upper deck quietness that makes it special

Just to give another side to the debate...

I travelled to Barbados in economy in October. It was the first time in years i had been in economy after going in premium all that time. I must admit i was quite impressed - thought it was going to be really cramped and unbareable, but i found i had sufficient space to stretch my legs out and the seat width wasn't too bad either. However i was sat at the back of the plane where there is only 2 seats instead of 3 so there could be more room there.

So now i have experienced economy again, i've got no problems with travelling in it.

Originally posted by hairy114
Just to give another side to the debate...

i was sat at the back of the plane where there is only 2 seats instead of 3 so there could be more room there.

You nailed it, hairy114. If you really cannot travel in any class other than Y, then these seats at the back of the bus are - in the words of the immortal Tina - simply the best. [:D]

Originally posted by thejohn
hi Gary just an idea why not go outbound economy and return PE if that is possible you get the extra space and if on the upper deck quietness that makes it special

I would agree with that advice.

Although it can be argued that you will appreciate the PE product more on the outbound flight (as it is a day flight and you will most probably be awake) I personally think that if you are going to upgrade do it on the return leg. It's something to look forward to at the end of your trip, and at least you stand a better chance of getting a few hours sleep in comfort.

At the end of the day I suppose it's all down to availability and price.

thanks everyone,
have booked premium outbound, it being a longer flight, the yorkshireman in me thinks he's getting a better deal.
what a mare though booking it.
here's the scenario - had enough virgin miles to book 4 prem out, econ in and enough bmi miles for 1 ticket, however, booking a virgin flight with bmi miles is only allowed in the same class so the wife is now booked prem both ways, while i'm in economy on the way back with 3 kids, hopefully they'll sleep.
managed to book for this upcoming half term , but from manchester, which is closer.
hope the weathers ok.